A 13-year-old girl named Kymani Hiley-Hetaraka died after hitting her head while ice-skating in Christchurch. The accident happened at the Alpine Ice Sports Centre during a school trip on Tuesday. Kymani fell and was taken to the hospital, but her injuries were too severe for her to survive.
Kymani was skating with her school, Haeata Community Campus. The school’s principal, Dr. Peggy Burrows, announced the sad news of Kymani’s death. She expressed deep sadness and described Kymani as a vibrant and loved student who brought kindness and joy to many.
Dr. Burrows shared support for Kymani’s family during this difficult time. A family member also posted on social media, sharing their heartbreak over Kymani’s passing and recognizing her as a treasured member of their family.
In response to the tragedy, Alpine Ice Sports Centre closed for two days to honor Kymani and her family. The staff and community expressed their sorrow and offered condolences to Kymani’s family.
